Pediatric dermatology

In addition to treating common skin conditions, our dermatology specialists are trained to recognize, diagnose and treat skin conditions that more frequently affect only children or adolescents. In this specific dermatology sector it is necessary to consider the developmental and physiological aspects of the children. Some skin conditions are more common in children, others appear solely at certain age.

Numerous skin conditions require clinical treatment by medical professionals. Dermatologists can help in discovering hidden or internal health problems connected to cutaneous disorders. At the Polyclinic Bagatin we treat the usual problems such as paediatric atopic dermatitis (eczema), skin infections and acne. We help in the assessment of paediatric patients with congenital disorders or hereditary syndromes, since many of such conditions affect the skin, hair and nails. We establish all that at dermatological examinations.

The most common dermatological conditions in children are:

atopic dermatitis;

skin infections (viral, fungal or bacterial);

vascular malformations;

early age acne.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopy is a term which denotes hereditary predisposition towards allergic reactions. Today it is considered around 10-20% of children have atopic dermatitis. Most often these changes on this skin are noticed in the first few months (two or three months), and in 90% children the symptoms appear before the age of 5. Children whose parents or siblings suffer from allergic rhinitis, asthma or atopic dermatitis have a higher risk of developing this condition. The prevalence of this condition is higher in cities, colder climates and economically more developed communities. The cause of this condition is still not completely known, but it is considered genetics and immune system characteristics play a major role. People with atopic dermatitis, due to the incomplete function of the skin’s protective barrier, develop symptoms of dryness and itchiness, with the occurrence of inflammation (eczema). The diagnosis is based on a patient’s medical history and clinical conditions, and if necessary, some laboratory tests can be performed.

Skin infection

The most common skin infection in children is viral - HPV infection with genotype 2, 4, 1, 3 which causes warts (verruca vulgaris) on any skin area. It is considered that the prevalence of this condition among schoolchildren is 10-20%. After an incubation of several months, hyperkeratotic papules with uneven surface appear most commonly on fists or feet, which is in most cases very painful for the children. The treatment in children is normally repeated several times; cryotherapy or locally applied preparation with keratolytic properties.

Vascular malformations

Of all vascular malformations we most often see changes such as nevus flammeus (port-wine stain). This is a malformation of surface dermal blood vessels which is present from birth and persists throughout life. In early childhood it presents a red to pinkish-red anomaly on the face or elsewhere on the body, and as the child matures the vasculature can dilate and the anomaly can become a thickened plaque. In port-wine stain cases, the most common therapy is yellow laser therapy. During this treatment, the laser light turns into heat which causes a biological effect on the tissue – reducing it i.e. destroying the capillary or other treated change.

Early age acne

One of the worst side effects of puberty is surely acne. For many teenagers they are a justified aesthetic problem which additionally undermines their self-confidence. A substantial number of teenagers seek help from a dermatologist because of inflamed acne. Treating acne is a long-term process which requires good cooperation between the dermatologist and the patient, which enables an effective control of occurrence of new lesions. Oftentimes it is necessary to wait a few weeks after the beginning of the treatment to notice its effects, and sometimes a short-term deterioration is possible before the appearance of new lesions is under control. As a rule, it is necessary to combine preparations for acne treatment, and in some cases we prescribe oral antibiotic therapy which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Children should also regularly wash and clean their face. At least twice daily the face should be washed with mild gel or cleansing tonic. If your child has skin problems which match the above descriptions, feel free to contact us with confidence. Our dermatologists will gladly help you recognize and treat all cutaneous conditions and changes.

Newsletter

Facebook

Why choose Poliklinika Bagatin?

Poliklinika Bagatin is a leading policlinic for maxillofacial, general and plastic surgery, dermatology, anesthesiology and dentistry in Croatia. With their services they are in line with best institutions in the world dealing with the same specialty in the field of cosmetic surgery and dermatology.